Page 81 - GRACE

GRACE, Exploring Its Riches

as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the
son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the
son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint
as prophet in your place. It shall be that whoever
escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and
whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will
kill” (I Kings 19:8-17)

Elijah was a man of God with an unusual grace. He had
taken an unpopular stand against lawlessness, ungodliness
and idol worship in Israel. Through his efforts iniquity was
judged in the land, the perpetrators were brought to book,
and the people of the nation had turned to the LORD in
repentance. But there was a problem. The main sponsor
and promoter of idolatry in the nation was highly placed.
She was the First Lady. She put up a plan to kill God’s
servant. This brought uncertainty and concern to Elijah’s
heart. He was discouraged and ran for his life. In the midst
of all these God encouraged and gave him prophetic
direction for securing the future. The successful
businessman, Elisha, was in God’s plans.

Most people would think that once God identified such a
prominent and successful man he would take office the day
after the prophet’s mantle fell on Him. However, God does
not work that way. God does not use untrained people for
His agenda. Yes, Elisha was already trained and proven in
the marketplace and boardroom of business. But God’s
Kingdom service is a different issue with different

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